Dick Wakefield

From BR Bullpen

Richard Cummings Wakefield

Bats Left, Throws Right
Height 6' 4", Weight 210 lb.
School University of Michigan
Debut June 26, 1941
Final Game May 6, 1952
Born May 6, 1921 in Chicago, IL USA
Died August 26, 1985 in Redford, MI USA

[edit] Biographical Information

The son of Howard Wakefield, outfielder Dick Wakefield received a $55,000 bonus upon signing with the Detroit Tigers in 1941. Wakefield's brother, Bob Wakefield, also played minor league ball in the 50's. Dick made his major league debut in 1941, then was the Texas League MVP with the Beaumont Exporters the following season. He returned to Detroit in 1943 and had what turned out to be his finest major league season, hitting .316 and leading the American League with 38 doubles.

Wakefield entered Naval aviation pre-flight in October 1943 and was discharged in July 1944. After 78 games in 1944, he entered the Navy in November 1944 and was discharged in January 1946. After the war, he never lived up to the promise that he had shown earlier, and Wakefield ended his career with short stints with the New York Yankees and New York Giants.